1. Well Russia hasn't yet been converted to Catholicism, so that intention's still current.2. Before Russia became the major intention, these prayers were intended for the defence of the Church, and particularly of the Holy See, against enemies both visible and invisible.3. I knew a traditionalist priest who used to preface the prayers with the intention - "For the defence of the church against enemies, both internal and external."4. What about: "For the intentions of the pope; the propagation of the faith; the extirpation of heresy; the peace of all Christian kings and princes; and the liberty and exaltation of our holy mother the church."

Yes, Pius XI asked in 1929 for them to be continued for the 'Conversion of Russia', when their original intention was deemed to have been fulfilled.

The question now is, is it the conversion of an officially atheistic communist regime (1929) to a (arguably) Christan country (today), which has been accomplished, or further conversion, as davidfoster says, to Catholicism? Has Rome spoken on this? or are Pius XI's instructions themselves clear? What's the official line?

Fr John Hunwicke

was for nearly three decades at Lancing College; where he taught Latin and Greek language and literature, was Head of Theology, and Assistant Chaplain. He has served three curacies, been a Parish Priest, and Senior Research Fellow at Pusey House in Oxford. He is now incardinated into the Personal Ordinariate of our Lady of Walsingham. The opinions expressed on this Blog are not asserted as being those of the Magisterium of the Church, but as the writer's opinions as a private individual. Nevertheless, the writer strives, hopes, and prays that the views he expresses are conformable with and supportive of the Magisterium. Nothing on this site is to be taken as representing the views of the Ordinariate of our Lady of Walsingham, of its Ordinary, or of any part of it.